December 15, 2007

Value of Low Dose Radiation Digital Panoramic X-Rays

A patient recently asked me why I, who is usually considered to be “on the forefront” of dentistry and technology, waited so long to purchase a digital panoramic x-ray machine. The older machines commonly used by oral surgeons and orthodontists (Dr. Gibbs’ orthodontist father had a early film version 25 years ago!) were of limited ability relative to the type of dentistry we do at Dr. Thomas Gibbs’ office. The machine we purchase (an Instrumentarium GE OP200 with Volumetric Tomography) has the following advances: 1. Resolution that is vastly improved over early versions. 2. Digital computer enhancement capabilities allow the x-ray image to enhance to reveal details not visible in older units. 3. The level of radiation is a small fraction of past units. 4. An enhanced ability to communicate with other specialists. 5. Ability to detect oral pathology and cancer at an earlier stage deeper in the jawbones. 6. Ability to diagnose disorders in the eruption and development of the teeth. 7. Patients can see an overview of their entire condition and better understand their condition. 8. An incredible new feature called volumetric tomography that provides 250 slices of 3-dimensional pictures of the jaws. This allows for very accurate views of bone pathology, tooth positions, sinus pathology, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology, and accurate planning for implant surgery. See website for more information on this feature!

Although the cost of the unit is 2 to 5 times the cost of older or inferior units, we feel that it is worth it. We simply waited for the best choice to evolve!